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Play Overview
Syberia: The World Before (1999) is a wartime narrative adventure where you explore the past and present to unravel the mystery surrounding the two people's intertwining lives. You solve puzzles, interact with characters, and visit diverse European locations. This latest entry in the Syberia series expands the ongoing narrative, digging into core themes of identity, self-discovery, and standing up to oppression, all while maintaining simple and deeply involving puzzle and exploration-based gameplay.
Kate Walker is a present-day New York attorney who discovers a mysterious link to a troubled young pianist from the Second World War, Dana Roze. You play both of these characters for different parts of the story; exploring, solving complex environmental puzzles, and talking with people you meet to advance the plot. As you progress through the story, you learn of the rise of fascism, led by the Brown Shadows -- a plot that mirrors the real world's Nazi party, and the troubles and horror that spread across the continent during the lead-up to the war.
Although you experience both time periods, the majority of play is as Kate in the modern day. Here you explore bustling cities, long-abandoned buildings, and eerie mineshafts. You progress by locating key items and solving puzzles, like opening locks, repairing instruments, and reactivating old and forgotten technology. By talking with the people you meet, you make choices that can impact how the story advances. Sometimes you switch to play as Dana in the past, where you encounter the Brown Shadows and witness their evil firsthand.
The result is a unique and engaging game that gives you the freedom to explore and interact with the people and objects you encounter while still telling a powerful and crucially important story that makes for a thought-provoking and emotional experience.
There have been several previous games in the series, which all offer a similar gameplay experience but with varying stories:
Our examiner, Ben Kendall, first checked Syberia: The World Before 17 months ago. It was re-examined by Jo Robertson and updated 6 months ago.
Kate Walker is a present-day New York attorney who discovers a mysterious link to a troubled young pianist from the Second World War, Dana Roze. You play both of these characters for different parts of the story; exploring, solving complex environmental puzzles, and talking with people you meet to advance the plot. As you progress through the story, you learn of the rise of fascism, led by the Brown Shadows -- a plot that mirrors the real world's Nazi party, and the troubles and horror that spread across the continent during the lead-up to the war.
Although you experience both time periods, the majority of play is as Kate in the modern day. Here you explore bustling cities, long-abandoned buildings, and eerie mineshafts. You progress by locating key items and solving puzzles, like opening locks, repairing instruments, and reactivating old and forgotten technology. By talking with the people you meet, you make choices that can impact how the story advances. Sometimes you switch to play as Dana in the past, where you encounter the Brown Shadows and witness their evil firsthand.
The result is a unique and engaging game that gives you the freedom to explore and interact with the people and objects you encounter while still telling a powerful and crucially important story that makes for a thought-provoking and emotional experience.
There have been several previous games in the series, which all offer a similar gameplay experience but with varying stories:
- Amerzone (1999) PC, Mac, Android, iOS, PlayStation.
- Syberia (2002) PC, Mac, Android, iOS, Xbox, Xbox 360, PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, Nintendo DS, Nintendo Switch.
- Syberia II (2004) PC, Mac, Android, iOS, Xbox, Xbox 360, PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, Nintendo Switch.
- Syberia 3 (2017) PC, Mac, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch.
- Syberia: The World Before (2022) PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch.
Our examiner, Ben Kendall, first checked Syberia: The World Before 17 months ago. It was re-examined by Jo Robertson and updated 6 months ago.
Kids not old enough for this yet? There are lots of games similar to Syberia: The World Before (Series). Here are some similar younger-rated games:
Play Style
Benefits
Age Ratings
Content Rating
Rated for younger players in the US. Rated ESRB TEEN for Mild Blood, Mild Language, Violence, Use of Alcohol And Tobacco.
Skill Level
12+ year-olds usually have the required skill to enjoy this game. Still, it's important for parents and guardians to consider the maturity required to process the game content. There isn't any timing or demanding button presses here, but some of the puzzles are quite difficult and the story is appreciated by teens and adults.
Costs
Syberia: The World Before usually costs £9.99 to £34.99.
Syberia
Syberia 2
Syberia 3
Syberia: The World Before
There are no additional in-game purchases, loot boxes, adverts or subscription costs.
Game Details
Release Date: 18/03/1999, updated in 2023
Out Now: Android, DS, Mac, PC, PS1, PS2, PS3, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Xbox X|S and iOS
Skill Rating: 12+ year-olds
Players: 1
Genres: Adventure, Narrative (Communication, Point-and-Click and Puzzle)
Accessibility: 17 features
Components: 3D Third-Person
Developer: Microids Off (@Microids_Off)
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